The Paper of Miami County -- Oct. 13, 2021

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October 13, 2021

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Miami County’s own ‘Betsy Ross’ visits North Miami High School

“Betsy Ross” recently visited the history classrooms of Mr. John Burrus at North Miami High School in celebration of Constitution Week.

Ross was played by Sharon Dillman, a retired teacher of 42 years for Peru Schools. Dillman is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and is the County Education Outreach Coordinator for Miami County.

When the Declaration of Independence was declared, George Washington designed and ordered a new flag to be made by Betsy Ross.

Betsy Ross was known for her fine sewing she had not made any flags before making the first flag.

General Washington knew Ross was known for her fine work.

Washington knew what he wanted.

The flag had seven red stripes and six white stripes. Red was to repre-

sent the blood shed for freedom and white represented freedom. In the upper left-hand corner was a blue field with a cluster of 13 stars.

Betsy made the stars with five points instead of six and she put them in a circle to represent the 13 states Dillman, a storyteller dressed in character, told the historical story in first person to all of the history classes.

“Betsy Ross,” played by Sharon Dillman, spoke to students at North Miami High School. Dillman tells the story about Ross making the first flag. Photo provided

Wayne Street Bridge coming down

The Indiana Department of Transportation, Northeast, announced Primco, the contractor for the Wayne Street Bridge project, began work on the bridge around Sept. 13. INDOT advises all to use the detour of Canal Street, S.R. 19

Vol. 2, No. 33

and S. R. 124. The project is expected to take 300 days for completion.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

Proudly Serving Miami County

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THE PAPER

October 13, 2021

Editorial By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com October has always been one of my favorite months of the year. It’s fall. The air is crisp, and the leaves transform the landscape from green to beautiful hues of yellow, red, orange, and purple. Even the sky takes on a distinctive look with darker clouds and days that are more often wet and gloomy.

I love that kind of day. However, there is one aspect of October I do not enjoy. Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s not because I am against the meaning behind the month. I am all for catching this awful disease early and encourage women to get mammograms. It’s the reminder of my experience with breast cancer and seeing distasteful campaign slogans people use about breast cancer awareness.

In April of 2014, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It was quite a blow because our family had just lost my sister, Lori Marsh, to Ocular Melanoma. My family didn’t have any history of breast cancer. It wasn’t on my radar. I found it by accident. I brushed under my left breast while undressing and felt a thickness on my bra line. I contacted my family physician, Dr. Gregory Quin, and was quickly scheduled for a mammogram. The test revealed a tumor.

Because my OB/GYN, Dr. Penman, had moved from Peru to Lafayette, I followed him for my annual check-ups. I already had an appt. with him that week so my husband, Jim, told me to call Dr. Penman for a recommendation concerning possible breast cancer treatment. He recommended the Breast Center of Lafayette. Another mammogram was performed as well as a biopsy.

While all of this was taking place, I was attending Ivy Tech to become a Medical Assistant. I was two semesters

The

Center Ring

By Michelle Boswell

away from reaching my goal. We were going into finals and things were stressful.

When the doctor had the results, she called me and asked if I could come to her office that day. I knew what she was going to tell me. The thought felt like a punch to the gut and my mind was racing. I told them I couldn’t because I had a test for school. They asked if I could come in the next day. Again, I told them I was taking tests and couldn’t be there. I told her to tell me over the phone and assured her I was fine with it. My husband was with me, and I could put her on speakerphone. To be honest, I really don’t remember much after that except the room began to spin and I was in shock. I just remember hearing the word cancer.

There are so many things to think about when you get a cancer diagnosis. You’re

trying to focus on what comes next physically but for me, all I could think about was how do I tell my parents, who just lost their daughter to cancer? How do we tell our three children, Jim’s parents, my siblings, and friends?

Things progressed rapidly after the diagnosis. There were 16 rounds of chemotherapy (four of them called red devil because of the color and the punch it delivers after receiving it), additional drugs during treatment and at home for a clinical trial for Triple Negative Breast Cancer, five surgeries, endless bloodwork, and shots in the back of my arms to help with my blood levels. I also had checkups with the oncologist every three months for the first three years and then it went to every six months up to the five-year mark. I still had to go once a month for five years to have my port flushed. Now I go once a year. I am now seven years cancer free.

Cancer, no matter what type, is serious business. It takes a toll on the person with it and the families and friends who have a loved one going through it. I consider myself someone with a good sense of humor. Having a positive outlook while battling cancer is extremely impor-

tant. They say laughter is the best medicine and I do believe it. Unfortunately, the human being is a curious being. The first thing I did after diagnosis was Google TNBC to see what the statistics were. I do not recommend that course of action.

After that, I decided to stay off Google. I didn’t want or need any negativity around me. I was already terrified, and I didn’t need to add to the chaos taking place in my head.

I know many of you have seen campaigns for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It could be football players wearing something pink or maybe your workplace picks a day to wear pink.

While I went through treatment, my oldest daughter, Brittainy Spitznagle, was the high wire trainer for the Peru Circus. Her high wire kids wore pink bandanas every show to honor me.

There are many ways to bring attention to this disease, to help encourage women to get mammograms and perform selfexams. (Men can get breast cancer, too, so be aware fellas if you find a lump. Don’t ignore it.) What I don’t think is necessary is some of the ways people choose to address breast cancer awareness. Things like, “save the tatas” or save the “boobies,” trying to use humor about a serious topic.

That’s not what breast cancer awareness is about. It’s about saving lives, not breast tissue.

While I understand humor can sometimes lighten a serious topic, I believe this sends the wrong message as to what breast cancer awareness is really about.

I’ll give you an example of how distorted people can be about their thought process concerning breast cancer and the person facing it. While my husband and I were meeting with the surgeon, Dr. Summers, he asked if I had come to a decision as to how I wanted to proceed.

Did I want to remove just the tumor, the entire left breast, or a bilateral mastectomy.

I told him to remove both. I wanted to give myself the best chance, in my mind, of surviving the disease. It was more about the mental battle after it was all over that concerned me. Then the surgeon asked Jim what his thoughts were about my decision. Jim’s reply was he didn’t care which way I decided to go. He just wanted me to survive.

The surgeon, sitting on one of those rolling stools, rolled over to Jim, shook his hand and told him it was nice to hear a man say that about his wife. Over the

years Dr. Summers heard so many men (husbands, boyfriends) express their feelings about the loss of breasts and how it would be awful for themselves…nothing about the woman going through it.

It’s not about saving tissue. It’s not about how you look without your breasts. It’s about whether that woman is going to be around, continuing her life as a mom, grandmother, aunt, sister, or friend. It’s about having her there for birthdays, holidays, graduations, and weddings… all the milestones we assume we will see, not realizing it may not be our reality.

So, when you see something promoting the saving of tissue, instead of the woman, think about it. How would you

feel if it were your sister, mom, aunt, grandma, or friend going through it? Is that what you are really concerned about…tissue? I dare say no. If you want the woman in your life to live and don’t care how her body looks, don’t pass on the memes about saving “tatas” or “boobs.” Breast tissue isn’t the issue. It’s the person and their life that is at the heart of the matter.

Let’s make Breast Cancer Awareness Month about saving lives because it is serious business to the ones fighting it and to the ones who have lost someone they love to this disease.

Save the laughter and even gloomy days in October to share with the woman you love who became a survivor.

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October 13, 2021

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Obituaries Jackie Joe Kellems, 61

Danny A. Stumpf, Jr., 43

George A. Adams, Sr., 68

Jackie Joe Kellems, 61, of Lucerne, Indiana, passed away suddenly at home early Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021.

Jack was born Feb. 29, 1960. He was the son of the late Garry Kellems and Marilyn Snyder who survives.

He grew up in the Oakdale neighborhood of Peru, Indiana. Jack worked at Peru Utilities where he became a journeyman lineman. He worked for the past 25 years for the Miami-Cass County REMC, from where he planned to retire in February.

Jack married Judy Kellems on Aug. 19, 2006, who survives.

Jack could build, fix, or grow nearly anything. He was a proud father and grandfather and a neighbor and friend that anyone could count on.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Kellems; his mother, Marilyn Snyder and her husband Jack Snyder; a special aunt, Bonita Fretz; uncles Daniel L. Paul and Terry L. Paul; his sister, Kelly (Kevin) Merryman; step-brothers Tim and Brent Gochenour; sons Joshua (Claire) Kellems and Derek (Katie) Kellems; step-children David (Michele) Cooley and Darla (Shane) Leavell; grandchildren Jasper, Julian, Elijah, Oliver, Everett, and Liliana Kellems; stepgrandchildren Alexander and Liam Leavell. Also surviving is Jack's beloved bulldog, Tank.

Preceding him in death were his father, Garry Kellems; his stepbrother Rusty Gochenour; his father and mother-in-law, Bud and Betty Lease; and Uncle Charles Verdon Paul.

Visitation was held Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, from Noon to 4 p.m., and a service followed at 4 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cass County Humane Society or Fulton County Animal Center.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Danny A. Stumpf Jr., 43, of Peru, passed away at 5:46 p.m. Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo. He was born in Peru, Indiana Oct. 22, 1977, the son of Danny Sr. and Anna Stumpf.

Danny was a 1997 graduate of Peru High School.

He was employed with PTI as a yard cab driver for Norfolk & Southern.

Danny was a loving son, brother and uncle who loved spending time at the racetrack with his dad, attending demolition derbies and magnet fishing. He enjoyed collecting hot wheels and Dale Earnhardt Jr. memorabilia. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are sisters Dawn Buffington and her husband Matthew of Peru, Cindy Eckelbarger and her husband Dana of Peru, Tina Mcgee and her husband Robin of Middlebury, Indiana; nieces; Erica Buffington, Shawna Eckelbarger, Tess Mcgee; nephews; Matthew Buffington, Mason Buffington, Michael Buffington, Travis Eckelbarger, and Arthur Mcgee.

A service celebrating the life of Danny Arthur Stumpf, Jr. was held at 3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru with pastor Phillip Troxell officiating. Burial took place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru.

Family and friends gathered from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

George A. Adams Sr., 68, of Peru, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at the VA Hospital in Marion, Indiana.

He was born in Pennsylvania May 23, 1953. He married Barbara S. (Smith) Adams, and she preceded him in death Dec. 23, 2018. George was a retired veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his children: George Adams Jr. of Peru, Howard Adams of Florida, Marie (Joseph) Beck of Missouri, Paul (April) Adams of Peru, and Robert (Kristie) Adams of Peru; as well as eight grandchildren.

Visitation was held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. The funeral service followed at 4 p.m., with pastor Rod Correll officiating. Burial was at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

More obituaries can be found on Pages 4 & 8

Rev. John E. Haines, 81

Rev. John E. Haines, 81, of Amboy, Indiana, passed away at 12:15 a.m., Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital.

He was born in Converse, Indiana, Aug. 27, 1940, the son of Marshall and Doris Thomas Haines. John married Florence Hancock in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1961, and she preceded him in death Dec. 22, 2017.

John was 1958 graduate of Jackson Township High School and the Baptist Bible Seminary. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran and was the Pastor of the North Grove Church retiring in 2006. John also served as Jackson Township Trustee and was the Director of the Miami County Solid Waste District retiring in 2009.

A man of great faith and integrity, John was a member of the Bunker Hill Free Baptist Church and took a pilgrimage to Israel in 2003. He was an avid model railroad enthusiast and an accomplished ventriloquist with his puppets Jerry and Joanne.

John is survived by a daughter Charity Haines of Peru; brothers Rodrick Ray “Taylor” Baker, 78 Dale and Max Haines; and a sister Rodrick Ray (“Taylor”) Baker, 78, of Janet Graham. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife FloPeru, passed away at 5:25 a.m. Monrence, a son Steven, and a brother day, Oct. 4, 2021, at Methodist HospiJames Haines. tal in Merrillville, Indiana.

A service celebrating the life of He was born May 31, 1943, in Rev. John E. Haines was held at 1 Hyden, Kentucky to Raleigh and Susie (Lewis) Baker. He married Jan- p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, 201 N. ice (Cox) Baker, and she preceded him in death Jan. 28, 2021. Taylor Main St., Amboy, Indiana, with worked at Thrush as a foreman. He pastor Bill Sheets officiating. Burenjoyed hunting, fishing, and water ial was in the Santa Fe Cemetery racing dogs. with Military Rites provided by the He is survived by his son, Steven Miami County Military Rites Unit.

Baker, of Peru. He was preceded in Family and Friends gathered from death by his parents, his wife, broth- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday at the ers Walter Baker, William Baker, and Laird-Eddy Funeral Home.

James Baker, Marvin Baker, Burtis In lieu of flowers memorial donaBaker, and sisters Shirley Butzin, tions may be made through the fuand Oma Hudson. neral home to Gideons Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to International.

1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at FlowersLeedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. The funeral service followed at 1 p.m. with Rev. J. Robert Clark officiating. Burial was at Crider Chapel Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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October 13, 2021

THE PAPER

Obituaries Ray K. Hopkins, 93

Carol Lynn Barrows, 74

Barbara H. Keyes, 68

Erma L. Bowyer, 88

Ray K. Hopkins, 93, of Peru, passed away at 2:58 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, at Miller’s Merry Manor East, Wabash, Indiana. He was born March 29, 1928, in Huntington, Indiana, to Marion (Frank) and Mildred Bolinger Hopkins.

Ray married Carolyn J. Binkerd Nov. 12, 1950, in the St. James United Brethren Church in Peru and she survives.

Ray graduated from Butler Township School in 1946 and the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Industrial Training Institute in Chicago in 1948. He was a true American Patriot serving God, country, and his family in the U.S. Army.

Ray worked for Sears Roebuck & Co in Wabash and Peru for 24 years as a salesman and was a farmer. He was a Butler Township Trustee and Assessor for six years and Miami County Commissioner for 12 years.

Ray was an active member of Richvalley United Methodist Church since 1952 and Gideon International since 1979. He was a member of Farm Bureau and a charter member of Richvalley Lions Club. Ray served on the Miami County 4-H Fair Board in the 1970’s and served on the Indiana Regional V Quabache Planning Commission.

Ray was on the Mississinewa Resource Development Association.

Ray organized the first Boy Scout Troop in Richvalley, serving as Scoutmaster in the 1950s.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Joyce Cardwell, Betty Flora and brother Marion (Bob) Hopkins and son Michael Ray Hopkins. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and daughter Vickie (Randy) Thrush of Wabash and grandchildren Sheryl (Matt) Hodson of Wabash, Serena (Jonathan) Acker of Westfield and David (Katie) Thrush of McCordsville, great grandchildren Anna Hodson, Nathaniel Hodson, Aria Thrush, Emery Thrush and Gavin Acker and sisters Lucille Shepler and Sandra (James) Surface.

A service celebrating the life of Ray K. Hopkins was held at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, at the Richvalley United Methodist Church, 290 North Jefferson St Wabash Indiana, with pastor J. Robert Clark and pastor Jack Suits officiating. Burial was in New Hope Cemetery, Miami County, Indiana. Family and friends gathered from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. The service was lived streamed through Facebook on the Richvalley United Methodist Church Group.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Gideons or Miami County Helping Hands.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru.

Carol Lynn Barrows, 74, of Peru passed Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Millers Merry Manor in Peru. She was born May 27, 1947, the daughter of William and Betty Waters Wease and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. Carol was a graduate of Grandby High School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Carol was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church and had been employed by K-Mart, Walgreens, and Healthy Family. Carol’s greatest joys in life were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and she cherished her role as family matriarch. She was an avid reader and a connoisseur of tea. Carol had a big smile and laughter that will be remembered by all. Her favorite dance song was Mony.

She is survived by her children Stacy Barrows and her fiancé Todd Eckert of Peru, Angie Barrows of Peru, Amy Blakely and her husband Neil of Macy, Indiana, and Christopher Barrows and his wife Lauren of Williamsburg, Virginia; grandchildren Luke LaBare, Olivia LaBare, Kalyn Essex, Kody Hoeppner, Trevor Blakely, Dolan Blakely and Daniel (Jake) Case; great grandchildren Christopher Case, Quinnley Case, EllaMae Kelly, Aubrey Hoeppner, Haillo Hoeppner, Layna Miller, Casey Miller; and her sister and best friend Linda Sharpnack.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Donald, David and William Wease.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru,

Barbara H. Keyes, 68, of Peru passed away at 9:45 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at her residence. She was born in Peru, Indiana, Feb. 14, 1953, the daughter of Donald and Beverly Merchant Schrader. Barb married Raymond A. Keyes III Aug. 5, 1972, and he preceded her in death March 16, 2020.

Barb was a 1971 graduate of Maconaquah High School and a homemaker. Her greatest joys in life were her family and her Roman Catholic Faith where she was a regular at weekly mass. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Barb was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society and Indiana Extension Homemakers. She volunteered and the Purdue Extension Office and devoted countless hours at Birthright of Peru.

Barb is survived by her daughters Shana Peconga and her husband Jim of Jacksonville, Florida, Lindsay Black and her husband Parker of Noblesville, Indiana, Lauren Barnes of Peru and Hillary Keyes of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren Mason Barnes, Sydney Barnes, Whitney Barnes, Mackenzie Black and Peyton Black; sisters Linda Schussler and her husband Bob of Indianapolis, Pat Williams of Galveston and Cindy Stevens and her husband Dave of Peru, and a brother Robert Schrader and his wife Lisa od Peru. She was preceded in death by her parents. her husband Ray and a brother-in-law John Williams.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Barbara Keyes was held at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at the St. Charles Catholic Church, 58 W. 5th St, Peru. Burial was at Mt Hope Cemetery. Family and friends gathered from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main, Peru, Indiana. There was a prayer service at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to Birthright of Peru.

Erma L. Bowyer, 88, of Peru passed away in the comfort of Teresa and Marks arms Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. She was born in Mexico, Indiana, Jan. 30, 1933, the daughter of C. Henry and Edna Miller Swayer.

She married Larry Bowyer in 1952 and he preceded her in death.

Erma was a graduate of Mexico High School, a member of the Church of the Brethren and attended the Bennett Switch Community Church. She and Larry owned and operated Bowyer Excavating retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Deer Creek Doe-etts, loved painting and started a Euchre Card Club that lasted 35 years.

She is survived by a daughter Teresa Pendleton and her children Ryan (Alison) Williams and Shelley (Roger) Eubank; sons Steven Bowyer and his wife Christine and their children Christopher Bowyer and Marrisa (Robert) Doyle, son Mark Bowyer and his wife Mary and his children Mandy (Justin) Rueff, Tyler (Madison) Bowyer and son Michael Bowyer and his wife Rochelle and their children Abigail Bowyer and Emily Bowyer. Also surviving are great grandchildren Alyssa Estep, Robbie Doyle and Carolyne Doyle, Connor Williams and his fiancé Molliey Reed and John Mark Rueff and great great grandson Greysen Williams.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children Larry and brothers Charles, Byron and John Swayer and sister Gertrude Hiers.

A service celebrating the life of Erma L. Bowyer was held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, IN with pastor Norman Snyder and Pastor Phil Cruea officiating. Family and friends gathered from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to Miami County Helping Hands.

Randy E. Scott, 62 Randy E. Scott, 62, of Peru passed away at 12 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at home.

Born May 18, 1959, in Fostoria, Ohio, he was the son of the late Franklin and LaFaun Scott.

He married Lori Scott in June 2001.

Randy formerly worked at Thermafiber in Wabash.

He enjoyed fishing, throwing horseshoes, and drinking Budweiser.

Survivors include his wife, Lori A. Scott of Peru, children, Chasity Mitchell of Peru, Brad Zink of Bunker Hill and Chad Hickle of Ohio, sisters, Patricia Pope, Diana Thompson and Debra Bohanon and grandchildren, Levi, Christopher, Deven, Lydia, Debreya.

He was also preceded in death by brother, Ricky Scott.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

Riverview Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Randy’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com

Phyllis Ann Barnett, 69 Phyllis Ann Barnett, 69, of Peru, passed away at 12:50 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, at her residence.

She was born in Elwood, Indiana, March 20, 1952, to Melvin Eugene(Sim) Frye Sr. and Thelma Arminda (Kennedy) Frye. She married Jackson Barnett, and he survives.

Phyllis was retired from Chrysler.

She is survived by her husband, and her children: Danny Buttler of Elwood, Dana Love of Peru, Michael E. (Rachel) Buttler of Elwood, Elissa Barnett of Pennsylvania, Jackqueline Seagress of Pennsylvania, and Jack-

son E. (Erin) Barnett of Peru; as well as 19 grandchildren, and 20 greatgrandchildren. Also surviving is a sister Myrtle Elliott Brown of Kokomo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Melvin Frye Jr., and a sister Flora Jean Majors.

There will be a Celebration of life service at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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THE PAPER

October 13, 2021

Nallenweg, Brown to compete at Regionals in Cross Country

By Lisa Hobbs

LeLand Brown and Madi Nallenweg will be competing at the Culver Cross Country Regional Saturday Oct. 16. The boys varsity race begins at 10:30 a.m. and the girls varsity race beginsat 11:10 a.m. Photo provided

Sports Schedule Maconaquah Fall Break Oct. 4-15 Friday, Oct. 15 7 p.m. – Boys Varsity Football @ Rochester High School Monday, Oct. 18 6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Football vs.

Rochester High School – Home North Miami Fall Break – Oct. 18-22 Friday, Oct. 15 7 p.m. – Boys Varsity Football @ Northfield Junior/Senior High

School Saturday, Oct. 16 9 a.m. – Boys Varsity Cross Country – IHSAA Regionals @ Culver 9 a.m. – Girls Varsity Cross Country – IHSAA Regionals @ Culver 11 a.m. – Varsity Volleyball – IHSAA Sectional Finals 11 a.m. – Junior Varsity Volleyball – IHSAA Sectional Finals 6 p.m. – Junior Varsity Volleyball – IHSAA Sectional Semi-Finals Northing on schedule

The Peru Tigers competed today at the Logansport CrossCountry Sectional.

Though both teams struggled a bit, we had two Regional Qualifiers, Madi Nallenweg and Leland Brown.

Both will be competing at the Culver Regional next Saturday.

The boys varsity race is scheduled to start at 10:30 A.M. and the girls varsity race is scheduled to start at 11:10 A.M. In addition to our two regional qualifiers, we need to recognize one of our junior runners, Cody Legg. Cody once again ran a career PR on a day, which for most runners, times were markedly slower as a result of the heat.

Cody has continually worked hard, and his

times have consistently dropped throughout the season. Today he marked a three-minute time improvement from the beginning of the season. Great job, Cody!

In the girls race, placing first for Peru and 33rd overall was Madi Nallenweg with a time of 25:44. Placing second for Peru and 58th overall was Brianna Bennett with a time of 28:46. Placing third for Peru and 67th overall was Anna Roush with a time of 30:23. Placing fourth for Peru and 68th overall was Bradee Miller with a time of 32:16, and plac-

ing fifth for Peru and 71st overall was Skyler Miser with a time of 33:21.

In the boys race, placing first for Peru and 28th overall was Leland Brown with a time of 19:36. Placing second for Peru and 38th overall was Aiden Stewart with a time of 20:35. Placing third for Peru and 43rd overall was Cody Legg with a PR of 20:58. Placing fourth for Peru and 51st overall was Landon Caldwell with a time of 21:23. Placing fifth for Peru and 58th overall was Cian Hazlett with a time of 22:35. Placing sixth for Peru and 70th overall was Jalen May with a time of 24:31, and placing seventh for Peru and 71st overall was Zach Smithers with a time of 24:37.

Oct. 18-29 Peru Thursday, Oct. 14 Varsity Volleyball – Sectionals – Home Friday, Oct. 15 Boys Varsity Tennis – State – Away 7 p.m. – Boys Varsity Football @ Manchester High School Saturday, Oct. 16 Noon – Varsity Volleyball – Sectionals – Home Nothing on schedule for Oct. 18-21

PHS Volleyball team

PHS Volleyball prepares for sectional week

By Dennett Roettger Oct. 10 Peru Lady Tiger Volleyball ends their season at North Montgomery before Sectionals week!

Peru went 2-2 on the day defeating Southmont and Parke Heritage. They placed fifth in

the tourney.

Senior Abby Martin led the day on serves with 20 points and four aces.

Junior Emma Eldridge had 15 points and three aces. Senior Cate Wolfe with 17 points, three aces, and contributed 13 kills.

Junior Caitlyn Miller smashed

16 kills on the day and Junior Jayma Majors with 10 kills.

Libero Senior Casidy Bartel worked the back row with 44 digs on the day, bringing her high school career total well over 800 digs.

Lady Tigers end the season with a record of 18-15

and sixth place in the conference.

Tuesday night the Lady Tigers faced Western in the first match of sectionals at 7 p.m.

The Paper of Miami County will have the results from the match in our next issue.

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THE PAPER

October 13, 2021

Police Reports Miami County Sheriff ’s Department October 2 A suspected driving under the influence case was reported at 4673 S. 625 E., Mississinewa Offices, Peru.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at 10001 S U.S. 31, RV Dynasty, Bunker Hill.

A SUV vs. truck crash occurred at S U.S. 31 and W St. Rd. 218, Peru. No injuries were reported.

Multiple units responded to the area of S U.S. 31 and S. Sease Dr, Peru for a single vehicle crash with entrapment.

The driver of the vehicle was injured.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. A state crash report was completed.

Officers responded to 35025 Altus CT, Peru, in response to a verbal altercation. Parties separated for the evening.

October 3 Officers responded to 1071 W Sixth St, Peru, in response to a verbal domestic altercation. Parties separated for the evening.

Breathing problems were reported at 1802 S Carole CT, Peru.

Officers responded to the area of 5851 S U.S. 31, Cedar Creek Mobile Home Park, Lot 17, Peru in response to a structure fire.

People were removed from the structure fire.

A car vs. deer accident occurred at N 100 W & W 500 N, Peru. No injuries were reported.

A prowler was reported at 12948 S U.S. 31, Lot 13A, Maple Lawn Village, Kokomo. Call was handled by Indiana State Police.

A traffic accident with injuries was reported at S 450 E & E 1100 S, Amboy.

A suspicious person or vehicle was reported at 5851 S U.S. 31, Cedar Creek

Mobile Home Park, Peru.

Burglary was reported at 2933 Travis St, Peru.

An animal problem was reported at 171 E Third St, Walnut Hill Mobile Home Park, Lot 20, Bunker Hill.

An unknown medical emergency was reported at 2725 Capehart St, Peru.

A runaway juvenile was reported at 12382 S West St, Kokomo.

October 4 Trash was on the roadway at S 150 E & E 250 S, Peru.

A school at 4138 N Mexico Road, Mexico, requested a welfare check on student missing four days of school.

School unable to make contact with parent/student.

Student checked ok.

Mom is having a tough time getting him to go to school.

Student not wanting to go.

Managers at 2970 W St. Rd. 18, McClure Oil, Kokomo, had questions regarding a vehicle left on their property.

Officers spoke to a complainant at 2934 S 300 W, Lot 175, Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, Peru regarding harassing text messages.

Fraud was reported at 3363 W 200 N, Peru.

Criminal mischief was reported at 5851 S U.S. 31, Cedar Creek Mobile Home Park, Lot 25, Peru.

Unable to make contact.

Theft of an iPhone from a vehicle was reported at 171 E Third St, Walnut Hill Mobile Home Park, Lot 25, Bunker Hill. A report was taken.

Domestic disturbance was reported at 2699 Capehart St, Peru.

Tina Dagnen was placed into custody at N. Chili Ave. and E. U.S. 24, Peru, and

transported to the Miami County Jail for Operating While Intoxicated - Refusal and Possession of Marijuana.

A suspicious package or item was reported at 525 W 500 N, Peru.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at N Meridian Rd. and E 800 N, Denver.

October 7 A possible driving under the influence case was reported at N U.S. 31 and W 800 N, Denver.

Theft was reported at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Peru.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at St. Rd. 19 and E 250 S, Peru.

Criminal mischief was reported at 2934 S 300 W, Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, Peru.

A possible driving under the influence case was reported at 1945 George Ave, Peru. All checked okay.

A runaway juvenile was reported at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Peru.

October 8 A traffic accident with damage was reported at 2908 W 200 N, Calvary Temple Assembly of God, Peru.

A suspicious package or item was reported at 2720 S 50 W, Peru.

A complainant at 2934 S 300 W, Manager’s Office, Peru reported someone had spray painted the front door of the park office and a speed limit sign with blue spray paint.

Harassment occurred at 1011 W 250 S, Peru. Complainant one stated his neighbor wanted to put up a new fence and was asking to tear down the old one. He stated he had told her no, and she had

called the health department on him for the state of his property. He was told to get a survey and the matter considered was civil.

Complainant two stated she was wanting to replace the old privacy fence on the property line and her neighbor was yelling at her from his yard. She stated she was going to get the proper permits and just build a new fence 8-10 inches in from the property line since she already had a survey.

Officers called complainant one back to tell him the resolution and to advise him to stop yelling at his neighbor, but he was argumentative and kept interrupting.

Complainant two was advised to call back in if she had any more trouble.

A caller at 2829 S Hilltop Dr, Apt. 7, Peru advised she heard a lot of yelling and loud noises coming from upstairs apartment.

Spoke with two females advised of a verbal argument only.

Domestic disturbance was reported at 5916 S 250 E, Peru. 10-96 Female was in a mental crisis. A crisis team came to the area.

Criminal mischief was reported at 36042 Beale CT, Peru.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at N 600 E & E 900 N, Denver.

A possible driving under the influence case was reported at N Lincoln St and Travis St, Peru.

A juvenile problem was reported at 5851 S U.S. 31, Cedar Creek Mobile Home Park, Lot 15, Peru.

A tree was cleared off the roadway at 3641 S 50 W, Peru before officer arrival.

A tree limb fell onto a road at N St. Rd. 19 and E 450 N, Peru. EMA arrived and cleared the road.

A suspicious package or item was reported at S U.S. 31 and Bus. 31, Peru.

The first bridge support on the south side of the Wayne Street Bridge stands alone after workers removed part of the platform. This view is facing east on the Wabash River. Photo by Michelle Boswell

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THE PAPER

October 13, 2021

Community Calendar Oct. 13 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Anything Goes Crafts: Book Pumpkin at the Peru Public Library.

A fall-themed craft workshop and learn how to make book pumpkins. Sign up by registering in the computer room at the library or by calling 765-473-3069. This is a free program and is open to everyone. A library card is not required.

Oct. 14 4 p.m. – The Peru High School Class of 1960 will hold their monthly dinner at My Pizza, My Way. Oct. 16 8:30 a.m. to Noon – Peru Utilities will be hosting one of their "Detrash the Wabash" riverbank clean-up events. All are invited to meet at 221 West Riverside Drive in Peru at 8:30 a.m. for

registration/waiver signing, safety briefing and overall instructions on what to do and what not to do along the river. As always, once the cleanup has finished, we will draw winners for some door prizes and serve lunch and drinks. Please wear long sleeves, pants, boots, and gloves. Be sure to hydrate.

will be a silent auction, guided tours with a brief history, bounce house donated by Kathy Conner, Pete and Company, pulled Pork and hot dogs and meet the Mayor. All proceeds including free will donations will be used for future repairs for the Civic Center. All ages welcome.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Octoberfest at the Miami County Project Building located on the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds. To apply to be a vendor, contact Michelle King at kingsheavenlygifts@gmail.com or 870-926-2164.

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - The Pipe Creek VolunteerFire Department, 339 W. Pearl Street, Bunker Hill, will have a drive thru Tenderloin Dinner taking free-will donations.

The dinner includes grilled/breaded tenderloins, cole slaw and baked beans.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The City of Peru is holding a fundraiser for the Peru Civic Center at the Civic Center, 225 E. Riverside Drive, Peru. There

Oct. 17 11 a.m. – Miami Memorial March – Miami Nation Tribal Complex. The Memorial March is in honor and remem-

brance of those Miamis who were removed from their families in 1846. The Miamis were forced to leave their homes in Indiana and were sent to Kansas and then Oklahoma.

Those participating will meet between 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.at the complex. The group will walk from the complex to the Depot at the river walkway on Canal Street. There will be drumming, pipe ceremony, wreath ceremony, a short speech, and prayers. Anyone is welcome to walk or line the sidewalks to show support. The group will walk down Miami Street going south to Canal Street.

Participants do not have to be Miami.

Oct. 22 All day - Bring a decorated pumpkin that looks like a literary character to the Peru Public Library and enter the contest.

Pumpkins are due Oct. 22. The pumpkin entries will be displayed at the library through Halloween.

Voting will begin Oct. 25. Three winners will be chosen: Facebook Favorite, Patron Favorite and Staff Fa-

vorite. No carved pumpkins will be accepted. Real or arificial pumpkins are allowed. Fore more information, visit the children’s floor at the Peru Library.

Oct. 23 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The Witches Market – The Picker’s Place at 1630 Logansport Road, Peru. Meet artists.

Find one-of-a-kind pieces from the 25 + vendors. Kid friendly with vendors who are kids themselves.

There will be candy at some of the vendor tables and a costume contest with a trophy prize beginning at 4 p.m. There will be musical entertainment in the afternoon

by Kyle Hurst and Shelby Lopez will be doing Tarot. Nikki Manning, a life coach, will offer chakra readings.

10 a.m. to Noon Weed Wrangle Indiana on the Nickel Plate Trail. Volunteers are needed to remove invasive weeds.

Wear long-sleeved shirts, closed-toe shoes, bring work gloves, wide brimmed hats, sunscreen, bug spray and tools (No

chainsaws). Meet at 4910 East, 400 S, Rochester, IN. at the Miami/Fulton County line.

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Thunder in the Bunker @ Bunker Hill Dragstrip 1512 W 900 S, Bunker Hill.

Drag racing and Grudge Racing.

Truck show and swap meet and dyno. Event

by Diesel Motorsports.

6 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Denver’s Autumn Festival with local small businesses, sponsored by Brookston’s Touch, 1070 West St. Rd.16, Denver, Indiana. Free admission. Want to trick or treat twice?

Denver’s small business owners would like for you to bring out the kiddos for a fun-filled evening of trunk or treating, food, games, straw maze, hayrides ($2) and an outdoor showing of Hocus-Pocus starting at 8. If anyone would like to be a vehicle for trunk or treating, message Brookston’s Touch via Facebook messenger. Those who would like to volunteer can text Tristan at 765431-1533.

Oct. 24 Beta Gamma Chapter of Psi Iota Xi, in Peru, is once again taking orders for holiday cheeseballs. The cost is $8 each. Sorority members make two varieties: one with an outside covering of nuts, and one without. The cheeseballs are made twice per year and are made fresh for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving orders are due Sunday, Oct. 24. And Christmas orders are due Sunday, Nov. 21.

To place an order, call any Peru member of Psi Iota Xi or call Jeri Monroe at 765-3271182. Proceeds from the sale of the cheeseballs support many local charitable enterprises, focusing on college scholarships for speech and hearing therapy, a summer speech clinic, the arts and literature, and our new Miami County YMCA. Oct. 30 9 a.m. – Youth Breakfast at Peru First Assembly of God, 365 Monroe Ave., Peru.

Sixth through twelfth grade students are invited to have doughnuts and orange juice See Calendar, Page 8

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THE PAPER

Calendar continued from Page 7 along with a lot of fun.

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. -Trick or Treating hours for the town of Converse.

Oct. 31

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Trick or Treating hours for Peru.

Nov. 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Holiday Craft Show at Miami County Project Building at the Miami County Fairgrounds, 1029 W. 200 N, Peru. For information on space for show please contact Kathy Kline @ 765-4314342.

Nov. 7 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – First Weekend of the Dick Quigley Music Festival. Rod Noftsger’s Fascinating Rhythm.

Sponsored by Peru Maennerchor, 154 S. Wabash, Peru. (Usual carry-in dinner). Free admission.

Nov. 12 7 p.m. – Combo Night – Second Weekend of the Dick Quigley Music Festival. Sponsored by Peru Maennerchor, 154 S. Wabash, Peru. Featuring No Regrets Blues Band. Free admission.

Nov. 13

7 p.m. – Big Band Night – Second Weekend of the Dick Quigley Music Festival at Riverview Event Center. Featuring The 19piece Quigley Jazz Band. Free admission.

6 p.m. - 2021 Light Up! Peru Parade. The parade will take place in downtown Peru beginning at the Peru Depot.

After the parade, the Courthouse display will be lit. Santa Claus will also be welcomed into his Santa House, located on the west side of the courthouse.

If anyone is intersted in having a float in the parade, contact Paul Forman at 765-432-1052.

Nov. 26-28 German Christmas Market with live entertainment in historic Peru on the Courthouse Square.

Friday, Nov. 26 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 27 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 28 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Event will have a skating rink, German Band, German-made Christmas Ornaments, Christkindlmarkt mugs, German Christmas baked goods and more.

October 13, 2021

Mary Lou Wolf, 88

Mary Jane Jenkins, 93

Mary Lou Wolf, 88, of Peru passed away Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Blair Ridge Healthcare Center.

Born August 31, 1933, in Wolf Lake, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Oras and Jessie (Smith) Zumbrun.

She was a 1952 graduate of Wolf Lake High School.

Mary Lou was a former Lab Tech at Dukes Memorial Hospital and that is where she met the love of her life, Kelton V. Wolf. They were married on January 26, 1962. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1993.

She was a member of Peru Church of the Brethren and also Blue River Church of the Brethren in Wolf Lake.

Mary Lou enjoyed reading, music, Nascar, collecting Blue Onion pottery, singing and most of all spending time with family. She also was a huge fan of Jim Reeves & even met him at a concert in Cleveland, Ohio, while attending college.

Survivors include her children, Jo Ellen Harden of New Haven, Kelly Wolf (Kaye) of North Manchester, Matthew Wolf (Connie) of Peru and Kathryn Kreighbaum (Jeffrey) of Logansport and step-daughter Susan Green (Jerry) of Peru; brothers, Thomas Zumbrun (Almeda) of Millersburg, IN, Jim Zumbrun (Sherrill) of Albion, IN, sister in law, Miriam Zumbrun of Huntington, IN; grandchildren, Dawn Schuller, Tracy Clarner, Amanda Wolf, Joshua Wolf, Jessica Albin, and Jennifer Kreighbaum. She is also survived by seven great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews.

She was also preceded in death by brother, John Zumbrun, son in law, Dale Harden and great-granddaughter, Rose Schuller.

Services were at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at Riverview Funeral Home, 421 W. Canal St., Peru.

Visitation was from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Peru.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Mary Lou’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com.

Mary Jane Jenkins, 93, of Peru, passed away Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo.

She was born Aug.16, 1928, in Waupecong, Indiana to Floyd and Lovina (Hahn) Mygrant. She married Kelton Jenkins, and he preceded her in death April 15, 2003. Mary Jane had been a bus driver at Maconaquah, and also drove a grain truck on their farm. She enjoyed quilting, camping, and playing cards.

She is survived by her son Jay (Julie) Jenkins, as well as grandchildren Jyl (Jason) Schleper, Justin (Diem) Jenkins, and Stephanie (Pian) Prostell, and great-grandchildren Nina Vo, Brayden Schleper, Madison Jenkins, Alex Schleper, Logan Schleper, Keighan Hayes, Keron Hullum, J'rae Hayes, Rhian Prostell, Lhoryn Prostell, and Harper Prostell. Also surviving is a sister, Barbara Bahney of Gilead, Indiana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Robert Jenkins, son Kelly Jenkins; as well as brothers Elbert Mygrant and Everett Mygrant, and sisters Evelyn McMahan, Bonnie Mygrant, Molly Saltz, Marth Ann Aikman, and Alice Berkheiser.

Visitation will be held from 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m.

Burial will take place at Santa Fe Cemetery in Miami County, Indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.